What to Expect and How to Plan

Before your trip, you will have spoken with us via phone/email and you will also receive a welcome packet. Read the MHS website thoroughly and let us know if you have any questions. If you represent a group, please pass all appropriate information along. Ensure we have your flight information, mobile phone number and any other relevant information.

Our drop-offs and pick-ups are at a scheduled time at the Anchorage airport. Book your arrival and departure flights to maximize your trip. If needed, arrive the day before your trip so you can acclimate and enjoy even more of Alaska. Schedule your return flight as to not interfere with skiing on your last day.

There is nothing typical about heli skiing, hopefully the following example of our 3 day package will paint a picture of what to expect.

Arrival Evening (non ski day)

On the evening your package starts, we will greet you at the Anchorage International Airport baggage claim area, typically between 5 and 8 p.m. Please schedule your arrival and departure flight times accordingly. The airport is very close to downtown Anchorage, which offers a variety of restaurants and other activities to entertain you before or after your trip. You will likely want to eat dinner before we pick you up, or we can stop on the way to the lodge for a bite. Taxis are readily available and there is luggage storage next to baggage claim #4 in the airport. If you are driving yourself to the lodge just let us know when you will be arriving.

After we gather your luggage, it is a 115 mile/2.5 hour scenic drive to the Majestic Heli Ski lodge. Upon arrival our staff will welcome you and get settled into your accommodations. The bar will be open and the views are spectacular.

Day 1/First Ski Day

Breakfast is a stunning buffet at 8:00 a.m. After breakfast, you will read and sign waivers, step on the scale and receive your avalanche rescue gear. You will then watch our video and presentation regarding our safety procedures, protocols and gear. Next, we will practice our avalanche rescue skills/companion rescue (transceiver, shovel, probe, communication and teamwork) and then complete an aircraft orientation. The check-in and briefing process typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of guests. We do not compromise on safety and we believe in thorough guest training. Each morning our guides will present a weather/snow report, outline the general plan for the day and let you know who your guide(s) and groups will be. We also have an information board in our lodge.

We only fly the AStar helicopter and always ski in small groups; we do not fly the 205 or 212 helicopters which may hold up to 10 guests. A group usually consists of 4 guests and 1 guide (weight restrictions apply). The AStar helicopter is configured for 4 guests in the back seat (facing forward) and 1 guide plus the pilot in the front.

A typical day is 6 – 10 runs. Several factors determine the number of runs per day; your vertical package, run length, group fitness, ability, number of groups, snow conditions, the weather, flight distance to terrain. . . On some rare days you may ski fewer than 6 runs, while on others it may be 10 runs, or even more. After 3-5 runs, lunch is served in the field, and then skiing resumes for another 3-5 runs. Lunch consists of homemade soups, sandwiches, desserts and hot cocoa.

We are generally back at the lodge for appetizers and drinks in the late afternoon (again, depending on all those factors stated previously). Dinner is served between 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. or adjusted as needed to accommodate our skiing schedule. Dinner is 3-4 plated courses and fantastic (like all of our meals). We take food seriously and we aim to impress. We have a full service bar (alcohol is not included) that is well stocked with a selection of high-quality wines, beers and liquors. The bar stays open well into the night, though we ask that you observe “quiet time” starting at 11 p.m., as many of our guests like to turn in early to be ready for the next day.

Day 2

Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Depart for skiing between 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Ski, ski, ski, eat lunch in the field, ski, ski, ski, and home to the lodge for appetizers, drinks and dinner.

Day 3 and Departure

On the morning of your last day have your bags packed, showers will be available after skiing. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m. Depart for skiing after breakfast. After skiing we will check your gear in, check you out, and then off to the airport for your flight home. Your package does not include dinner on your last day. We generally depart the lodge around 3 p.m., which puts us at the Anchorage airport between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Additional Information

-Our pickup and drop-off times are an estimate. We are a remote lodge and factors may arise which are beyond our control such as bad weather, other guest arrivals, departures… We will always do our best to be as punctual as possible.
-Renting a car at the airport is easy and very inexpensive. The roads in Alaska are well maintained. See even more of Alaska on your trip.
-Packages include breakfast on your first morning through lunch on your last day.
-Alcohol is not included, but is available for purchase in our full service bar. Please do not bring your own, as this violates our state liquor license.
-Lodge attire is casual and comfortable.
-If extra meals or lodging are needed, ask us about rates and availability when making your reservation.
-We have a retail shop that has a variety of outerwear, base layers, mid layers, gloves, goggles, hats, t-shirts, coffee cups and more.
-For special dietary needs, please let us know when you make your reservation and upon arrival.
-We have a hot tub, yoga studio and a massage therapist (at an additional cost). Cross-country skiing and phat tire/snow bikes are available for you at any time. Wi-Fi/internet, mobile phone service and satellite t.v. are included.
-Hard soled shoes and ski boots are not worn in the lodge. We provide Crocs for you, or feel free to bring your own slippers.